JULY 4, 2014
Dependence
Day
Read: John
15:1-13
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him,
bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. —John 15:5
In the US, the Fourth
of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up; beaches are
packed; and cities and towns have parades and fireworks displays, picnics, and
patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4, 1776, when the
13 American colonies declared their independence.
Independence appeals
to all ages. It means “freedom from the control, influence, support, and aid of
others.” So it’s not surprising that teenagers talk about gaining their
independence. Many adults have the goal of being “independently wealthy.” And
senior citizens want to maintain their independence. Whether anyone is ever
truly independent is a discussion for another time and place—but it sounds
good.
Craving political or
personal independence is one thing; daring to pursue spiritual independence is
problematic. What we need instead is a recognition and acceptance of our deep
spiritual dependence. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who
abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do
nothing” (John 15:5).
Far from being
self-reliant, we are totally and eternally dependent on the One who died to set
us free. Every day is our “dependence day.”
I need Thee every
hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like
Thine can peace afford.
I need Thee, O I need
Thee; every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my
Savior, I come to Thee. —Hawks/Lowry
Our greatest strength
comes from dependence on our strong God.
Insight
There are two sides to
the word picture of Jesus and His followers as a vine and branches. On the one
side, His followers, the branches, are totally dependent on Him, the vine. But
as the vine, He freely and generously supplies what we need to bear fruit.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
